April Showers

woman in a checked dress and rain boots looks for rain in a green garden
a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checking for rain in a green garden surrounded by a fence and a white wall

What do you wear when it’s rainy? I know, I know- we’re not supposed to let the weather dictate our clothes- but we kinda do. When it’s cold do we not dress for it? In the warmer temps you aren’t reaching for wool. So, it makes sense that when it rains, it would affect what we wear. And yes, as a shoe lover, I’m mainly thinking of April showers affecting footwear choices. We don’t want special shoes getting ruined by a rainy afternoon!

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots in a green garden

If you’re looking to keep great shoes great and not dry, I know that the easy answer is to simply wear rain boots when it rains. I knew that answer- I’ll be honest my hesitation about rain boots is that they have not always been cute in the past (more on that below). And, when wearing rain boots, do you plan your outfit around them? Just wear rain boots with anything? Change into your “real” shoes for the day when you’re inside and out of the rain?

Rain boots might be the answer to April Showers, but I was still left with questions.

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checks for rain in a green garden

All those questions? This how I’ve started to answer them:

Remember just a few sentences ago, when I said that rain boots aren’t always cute. Sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it’s not. Lately, especially, rain boots are chic, in all styles and all colors. And not just if you like a bigger boot (which I’m slowly loving lug sole boots with dresses, it’s taken a minute but the juxtaposition is growing on me!). Rain boots can be a chic shoe (some are too cute to wait for water!) so–I’m planning outfits around rain boots. Short ones, tall ones, black ones, purple ones. I’m also planning outfits around boots that are right on the border of being a rain boot (aka not a traditional rain boot but waterproof). It’s made rain days easier, and chicer.

(Note: when there is a more black tie affair I change my shoes when needed or look for a waterproof heel, but that’s a different post!)

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checks for rain in a green garden

What’s your strategy for dealing with a rainy day? How does it affect your fashion choices? Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite current rain boots- I can’t wait to see how you style them!

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

April Dresses Bring…..

Investment Piece: do it all
Investment Piece: In Blue
Investment Piece: April Dresses Bring

I’ve always been a dress girl. Always. Never hesitated to reach for a dress, wear a dress, suggest a dress. In fact, when I was 4 I went a year wearing princess dresses (or a variation thereof). I don’t think I owned my own jeans until I was in first grade.

I feel comfortable in dresses. They’re my go-to.

Especially in spring. And especially in the beginning of spring, when there is still a bit of a chill in the air. To me, a dress says that you’re ready for the warmer weather, that you’re ready for any surprises, and yet, that you’re staying warm and ready for now.

In a dress you can be ready for anything.

Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: April Dresses bring
Investment Piece: April Dresses Bring

So, while I buy (and wear) dresses year round, April is the time of year when I seem to only want dresses. To set the tone for spring and summer. To wear to nice places or to just hang out in the back yard (TBF there’s no rule that those things are mutually exclusive. I’ve dressed up to go to the back yard. I recommend it!)

I usually pick a few casual (ish) dresses that I plan to wear all through the season – throwing on for errands, lunches, movies, or being at home. And then I pick one (or two) exciting dresses- if nothing else to wear around the house on my birthday (in May). There’s a dress for every occasion (if not I’m a pro at helping you come up with one).

So. The question is: what dresses are you wearing this April? What are they bringing in? Adventure? Comfort? All of the above?

I’ve linked some of my current favorite dresses. One of them I know is perfect for April, and for bringing in a great summer.
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Pop of Color

FBF: Gucci Top

Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF Gucci Top

Fashion stylists and advisors will tell you all the time to buy things that will last you forever. Sometimes that means classics, sometimes that means labels, sometimes it means both. I bought this Gucci top years and years ago from RecessLA and when I got it I thought I was behind on building some of my collections. Turns out, I’m just ahead of myself. Because I loved this Gucci logo top then, and I love it now. I did a whole logo week around it (and other logo items, see here, here, and here). I also then read House of Gucci (and saw the movie!) and couldn’t help but notice that this top was in film- so I’m Gucci now, that’s how it works, right?

This top was a find at one of my favorites, Recess LA. And the originial post harks from the days when Investment Piece was me, my iPhone, and my gumption. We’ve come a long way. (And we still love logos!) This is all I originally wrote about this stunner of a Gucci top:

I’ve never been into wearing a ton of labels–but sometimes I can’t resist. (And weirdly the older I get the more I love certain labels, and yet had opinions about what not to wear labels on- something to discuss I’m sure!) I found this amazing vintage Gucci at one of my favorite LA stores, RecessLA, and fell in love–I mean look at that detail. Modern denim culottes make it feel fresh–and those slides are so comfy!

Yep. That was it. I mean it’s all true. Sadly, I let the crops and slides go in one of my closet clean outs. (Yes, there are times when I wish I had hung onto certain things). This Gucci logo top? Still in my closet. Still a go-to. I still love it with jeans. I love it with camel skirts. Or black pants. Maybe, I just love it. It was one of my first vintage logo pieces, and I can’t help but fawn over everything about it-the GGS, the hardware, the leather cuffs. It’s a classic and a standout, and maybe that’s what I love about all these logo pieces. What about you?

While this Gucci top is more than a FBF, it’s vintage I’ve found you similar and I’ve linked some similar picks of the whole outfit for you. Happy shopping!
XO RA

Note: this post does contain some affiliate links. While that does not affect the price to you, I may earn some commission from them. Thank you for the support

Overthinking (Jeans and a Tee)

Investment Piece: Jeans and a Tee
Investment Piece: Overthinking

I don’t post a lot of outfits that are just jeans and a tee. Part because there has never been a party dress I didn’t love (true since I was a tot). Part because I can overthink jeans and a tee. Talent? Weirdness?

Either way, the fact remains that I can call this Tuesday:
Investment Piece: Holiday Gown

And at the same time worry about jeans and a tee. Shooting this look? I worried that it wasn’t “enough”.

It’s not that I don’t’ wear jeans often, or just throw things on, or any combination of all the things. Jeans and a tee may be my “relaxed” go-to’s (as well as sundresses), but they can have me overthinking like nothing else.

Investment Piece: Overthinking
Investment Piece: Overthinking

The irony? I truly believe that a great pair of jeans are an investment piece. There is nothing like a pair that make you feel good, look good, can be dressed up or down, and make you feel like you.

***I personally think high rise is best, I have a naturally super high waist, and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on. But, if you like a low rise I get it–there are jeans out there for you.

Tees (and basic sweatshirts like this one) are my go-to’s from sleeping to workouts to pairing with skirts and pants.

So, why does pairing jeans and a tee together make me overthink so? (And yes, maybe that’s a question for therapy.) Is it that I feel that each outfit needs to make a statement? That it’s boring? Or is it simply that if I’m showing off fashion, that I feel like the SHINEST things should take the spotlight?

I don’t know. Now that I’m aware of this habit and overthinking tendency though, I’m actively challenging myself to be both a party dress lady and a jeans and a tee lady. We can be noth, right?

But, forgive me if I stick to my party dress ways for a while. They’re just too good not to!

I have linked jeans and sweatshirts I love (and even Vans, as I love a good Van!)

What outfit makes you overthink?

XO RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Overthinking

Dinos and Shade

image
image
image
image
image
image

It’s Spring, which means that in the span of a day I go from freezing (am) to sweating (pm). The only thing that saves me? A great outfit and in the afternoons- shade. And this adorable dinosaur key chain from Coach also is making me incredibly happy. My fave gingham shirt (that looks great tied) and these pants (part mom, part cropped, and the structured satin! I’ve worn them dressed up and as a bathing suit cover up–they’re a new staple.) Even when it goes from 50-85 outside, these things make me feel cool–which is hot, right?

Side note- this week has felt like a month so I’m hoping that whatever you’re wearing is bring you joy and some coolness.
XO RA

This outfit is made from pieces that are seasons old- but I’ve found you modern (aka current ones!)
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Spring Celebrations

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, fashion, high fashion, vintage, 1930s, spring celebrations,
investment piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, wedding dress, gold headband, vintage, spring celebrations
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, spring celebrations
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, spring celebrations

For the first time in a long time it feel as if there are things to celebrate.*

*I’m aware there is still a pandemic and now, a war. There are times when things feel overwhelming and bad and I get it. However, this is the first spring in a few springs that (at least for me) there have been stirrings of real hope. I’m not ignoring or downplaying or avoiding anything happening, but I am giving into the hope (and the subsequent celebrations) that now exist and I hope you join me- in both these new spring celebrations and working together on all the issues we face.

It’s not that I suddenly have a full social calendar or a big announcement (though things have been going well for me lately and I hope that’s true for you too!), but I’m in the mood for a few spring celebrations. Even in the backyard. Even if what we’re celebrating is getting through the day. They say that you have to put out what you want to receive, and if we want to be fabulous in amazing dresses in fabulous places, maybe the way to get there is to dress in stunning things.

(Sidenote: These pics were taken when a few friends came over for some bubbles. We were just excited to be together. I’m a firm believer in dressing for little moments- and that little moments that are fantastic lead to bigger fantastic moments)

investment piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, wedding dress, spring celebrations
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, wedding dress, spring celebrations
investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, spring celebrations

Spring Celebrations range from big to small, formal to informal, some we make a big deal of, but my most favorite tend to be the small ones that remind me of the good things out there. It can be very easy to dwell on allll the things happening, and to get bogged down. There is something about a change of season, temperatures warming, blooms opening up that just feels good. And if that’s not an excuse to put on something that makes you feel special (a wardrobe requirement for me) and sip something delicious with people who make you smile I don’t know what is.

So. I put on a dress- that hugs my hips and has a slight train and buttons up the back. It felt chic and sophisticated and just the right shade of new. And a headband (as someone who usually has her hair in a bun maybe there is something to letting your hair down!). Let’s not forget the shoes!(I’m a fan of anything chic and supportive- these are my beloved Sarah Flints and you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 your own pair. And please join me and Sarah tonight for a spring preview of her new collection- it will be a celebration and please DM me for an exclusive invite!). I drank bubbles out of a vintage glass and I gave into some hope. Is there any better reason to have a celebration?

Investment Piece fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, wedding dress, spring celebrations

The biggest side note of all? This stunner of a dress is actually a wedding dress from the 1930s (no, I’m not getting married). In fact- I’ve recently developed a thing for 1930 dresses, even wedding dresses. The cuts, the patterns, the material- they tend to be just so stunning. And yes, I’ve rounded up some of my current vintage rings for you below.

What are you celebrating this spring?
xo RA
Note:This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Below is a collection of 1930s dresses, wedding dress, headbands, shoes and a modern dress to give you this celebratory feel!

Into Opportunities

Investment Piece, belt it, Jcrew, Beau Coops, Mother, high fashion, blogger, fashion, CA, TX, fashion stories, into opportunities
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, into opprotunities, belt it, mother denim, jcrew
Investment Piece,into opportunities, fashion, blogger, high fashion, mother, beau coops, CA, TX

What does your perfect spring day look like? Not just the weather- we could debate temps all day- but the perfect day. I guess I’m also not that interested in what you do-I mean I am- but what I’m really asking is what does the perfect spring day feel like?

In my experience, opinion, whichever suits best!-the end of a season and the beginning of a new one is filled with up and down days. Times when you just feel bogged down, as if things will never change and just tired of it all. Then. The perfect day of the new season comes- in this case spring- and all those things that weigh you down seem lighter, the air is just a bit different, and a lot of hope returns.

You know what I mean? From life to fashion to weather, sometimes seasons go from feeling stuck to into opportunities. Isn’t it funny how that happens overnight?

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, belt it, vintage, Jcrew, Beau Coops, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, belt it, vintage, Jcrew, Mother, CA, TX

Sometimes the opportunities are ones we’ve been chasing, sometimes they’re brand one we never saw coming. It’s the same with outfits- I never knew I was a belt person till I got this vintage lion one. Now? I want to put over everything- including jackets. What started as a whim has become my go-to outfit- and I’m always amazed at what comes my way in it.

And yes- I will die on the hill that a light jacket is the best thing for spring. You don’t want to be too hot, but you also want to ward off the last few chills. Add jeans, and of course a chic shoe and it’s the perfect spring outfit. Fit for any opportunity.

Investment Piece, belt it, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories into opportunities

What opportunities are you looking for this season? I’m still writing out my goals, setting my sights on what I really want, all while being open to all of the good things that may be (or are) coming my way. I’m also on the look out for any and all outfits that make me feel good- much like this one. I’m trying to keep it simple. But I’m also really shooting high. Is that the way to go into opportunities? I guess we’ll find out!

Please tell me all about the things you’re wearing, your perfect days and your opportunities. I want to hear about them all!
This outfit is one I’ve had on repeat for years (it never fails) and I’ve linked the same pieces, or similar, for you below!
xo RA

note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Spring Wishlist

Investment Piece: Something Gingham

The beginning of a season is so exciting. Things feel new and fresh, there’s hope, and a long list of things that you may want to do or get done. I used to make seasonal bucket lists of things I wanted to do; I also use to make seasonal mood boards-filled with images I loved and wanted to recreate (at least the vibe of). Yet. Once the pandemic hit I stopped doing those things. Not that I wasn’t noticing the seasons, not that I didn’t want to do/see/wear/be things- but as the world seemed to shrink, I couldn’t bring myself to make lists of things that I couldn’t do. (There’s no worse bummer than making a list you can’t cross off!) So, even though I was marking the seasons- and even (perhaps on a smaller scale) doing and wearing things, the past few seasons I’ve refrained from making lists. It just seemed easier.

This spring? I think I’m ready for another list- to do and see and wear.

However, this year I’m approaching my list differently. It’s not that I don’t have a ton of things that I want to do, but because none of us know what the next few months are going to bring, this spring season instead of making a list “to do” I’m focusing on what to wear- and who I want to be. If what we wear can tell stories (and by this time you know that’s my core belief) I’m thinking about what stories I want to tell, and what I could wear to tell them.

Below I’m listing what I’m shopping- aka what I want to wear, who I want to be, and therefore the stories I want to tell. I would love to know- what stories are you looking to tell and wear this spring?

note: this post does contain affiliate links. while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. thank you for your support!

At The Gym
As of now, one of my standing social engagements is meeting friends for Pilates class. The teacher is one of my favorite human beings and it just makes me feel good. I’m looking for things that make me feel chic, but allow me to move freely in class- and these new pieces from Carbon38 are perfect. Almost ballerina? The effortless gal? Those may be part of the story! (Also-I can’t say no to a great jumpsuit!)

The Party Look
I have a confession: I am so insecure about my stomach. This is not me asking you to tell me I’m tiny, this is me saying that I am not always comfortable showing off my midriff (the cuts have to be high!). However, I can’t stop thinking about this set- from beach and pool parties to chic dinner dates. I imagine myself sipping champagne – and being the confident me who is unashamed of anything and willing to be vulnerable in it. And these shoes? The shape and the architecture are just stunning! What couldn’t you be in these!?!

The Rain Boot
I’m not cool and mysterious, even though I try. And I’m not sure what I think about the chunky shoe trend- mainly as I worry it will make my feet look really big, ensuring I’m not cool at all. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about these rain boots (a version of my fave JW Anderson mule). I could wear them with leggings or dresses, and I feel like my cool points would raise infinitely.

The Trouser
I have a thing for trousers. Flowing, easy, able to dress for work or play. To me a trouser says you’re an ADULT and effortless, cool, chic, and simply elegant. Maybe a lunch appointment to a trip to the museum?

In the above I see family winery trips, cultural events, swinging parties, afternoons with friends. I see a woman who’s comfortable in her skin, who can laugh and love- and somehow marks off her to-do list regularly! What we wear can be a way to tell our stories, and a way to make lists. Who do we want to be this spring? What do we want to do? And what’s on our wishlist?

I would love to hear any and all of your ideas and wishlists!
XO RA

Spring Springing

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing
Investment Piece: fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, springing spring
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

Have I ever mentioned that at times I expect things to happen instantaneously? IE, big birthdays- you wake up different. Seasons start and that day it FEELS like that season (warm, hot, cool, cold, etc). In reality, I know that’s not how it works. At all. And yet, it doesn’t stop me from thinking things will happen over night.

The truly ironic part is (well, other than I can sometimes be resistant to change, see here) I wouldn’t always want to have things be instant. Sometimes, the joy of a season is that season becoming. Yesterday, the first day of spring, is not the height of spring, we have so much amazing spring to come. Yet- here we are springing.

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

The weather where I’m at does feel spring-like – at least for part of the day. In the early am, when I’m taking my morning coffee walk it’s down right cold, then it warms up, by the end of the day it can be hot (why have one season when you could have them all?). Even when I can have my pick of seasons, spring is often my favorites.

(This is where we can all make a florals are groundbreaking joke, which is still timely and are still funny!)

For me, it’s more that I can wear outfits like this one. Soft colors, bare some skin (but not too much), and really welcome the season. I know, it’s a little crazy to associate a whole season with a single outfit, but this outfit is one of my ultimate spring outfits- it makes me think of Spring, and all the spring that will be springing. Fun fact? I had to be talked into this skirt when I bought it (it’s Versace before he had his own label and then became and remains one of my go-tos). And this top is another staple that I thought would be trend (do you remember when I called off the shoulder tops a trend to try? You can read my short-sightedness here). As it turns out, off the shoulder is here to stay- and it goes with everything.

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

I think what I love about this outfit is that it tells the story of spring for me- hope, renewal, a redo. Yes, there’s more spring to come and more transitions, and more outfits. But what a great first spring outfit, right? It’s spring springing!

I’ve linked you similar spring options below. What are your spring thoughts?
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

Sponsored by Champagne

Investment Piece: Sponsored by Champagne
Investment Piece: Sponsored by Champagne
Invement Piece: Sponsored by Champagne
Investment Piece: Sponsored by Champagne
Investment Piece: Sponsored by Champagne

Champagne is synonymous with fun, bubbly, celebrations, and boldness. I would love it if my life were like that: fun and light, bubbly and known for a good time. I’d love it even more if it didn’t hurt the next morning. The bad news? Life isn’t sponsored by Champagne. But love bugs, your outfit can be.

If I leave you with one thought ever, it’s that fashion should be fun, bubbly, and a good time; just like your fave champagne. And if we’re going to be fun and bubbly let’s chat about bold colors. In fact, let’s chat mixing bold colors. Tempting as it can be to always reach for black, bold colors aren’t something to save for a special occasion. They’re great on a Wednesday, and used right, they can be just as classic as your go-to black. I know, bold colors can be frightening, and if you’re wearing one, you will stand out. My take on that? Make them look, just make the look worth their while! I love a great red, blue or green, and there are so many ways to wear them!

Today, however, we take our cues from champagne and are being bubbly! So, if one bold color is good, are two better? I say : YES! This is not the part where I convince you that all colors go together, there are limits, there are pairings that work, and many factors to play with (shades/brightness/textures), but mixing bold colors is not something to shy away from. My tips: take colors you love together and experiment with various shades of each. If you’re still a bit gun shy, stick with classic and traditional shapes. Still a little nervous? Have a glass of champagne. It works!

One of my current favorite combinations? Red and purple!(Did you know that lavender/lilac and this light shade of purple are some of the IT colors for spring? Now you do- let’s play with them!) I love the vividness of this red top, and paired with these lavender pants (I love the almost neon quality of these! And pro-tip: lavender is sticking with us through the fall so if you love it, you’re in luck!) it’s a classic outfit that stands out! This combo works for your 9-5, dinner, drinks, champagne drinking- the list is endless.

I’d love to know: how do you mix boldly? And if you could be like champagne, what would that mean?

XO RA

I’ve linked you similar items below for your shopping pleasure!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Shop this look here